Lawmakers say PDAF abolition to affect those who seek financial aid from them

With the planned abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), several lawmakers are asking how would the executive department handle the hundreds of poor people who seek financial assistance from congressmen.

Among these lawmakers was Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, who on Monday said that although he supports the abolition, he is wondering what will happen now to their indigent constituents.

Bagatsing was among the lawmakers allied with President Benigno Aquino III who attended a Liberal Party breakfast meeting in Quezon City on Monday.

During the meeting, held at the party's office in Cubao, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte sought the support of LP members on Aquino's decision to abolish PDAF, the yearly pork barrel received by lawmakers amounting to millions, in light of its alleged misuse by several members of Congress.

Ninety-seven of 119 LP members from the House of Representatives attended the meeting.

Asked if there were LP members who expressed concern over the scrapping of the PDAF during the meeting, Sarmiento said there was none.

Ready-made solution

But like Bagatsing, Leyte Rep. Sergio Apostol believes the scrapping of the PDAF will directly hit those who ask financial assistance from lawmakers.

“Makakaapekto nang malaki,” Apostol said. “Number 1, I should make it clear na representante kami, we are elected as representative. We are not just lawmakers or congressmen. So we have to address the needs of our constituents and bring it to Manila for resolution.”

Bagatsing said an average of 100 people go to his office every day to seek financial assistance. He said if the 35 congressmen in Metro Manila receive the same volume of people daily, without the PDAF, some 3,500 people will now go to the DSWD to seek help.

"We voted for you!"

He said he cannot blame the people for asking their congressmen for help.